Quick Action by Prowers Deputies Saves Chainsaw Accident Victim in Granada

Description: On July 25, 2024, officers from the Granada/Holly Law Enforcement Agency, alongside deputies from the Prowers County Sheriff's Office, responded to a severe chainsaw accident near Granada High School. Upon arrival, officers found a man trapped 18 feet up in a tree, suffering from heavy bleeding and serious injuries. Deputy Castaneda quickly applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding, while Sergeant Rodriguez assisted, helping calm the victim. The man was safely removed by the Lamar Ambulance Service and airlifted for medical care. Officer Austin Friederichs commended Deputy Castaneda and Sergeant Rodriguez, noting their life-saving actions likely prevented a tragic outcome in the following life saving award recommendation letter.

A life saving award was presented at the Granada Council meeting on October 9, 2024 for Prowers County Sheriff's Deputy Castaneda and Sergeant Rodriguez. The letter of recommendation follows...

Chief Dougherty:

On July 25, 2024 at approximately 1000 hours, Officers from the Granada/Holly Law Enforcement Agency were dispatched to the area of the Granada High school, in reference to an accident involving a male party who was using a chainsaw while cutting a tree. Deputies from the Prowers County Sheriff's Office were in the area and also responded.

Upon my arrival, I observed the victim was approximately 18 feet from the ground in the tree. I observed the victim was pinned underneath a very large tree branch, with serious injuries and heavy bleeding was obvious. I observed Deputy Castaneda and Sergeant Rodriguez were on scene.

I observed Deputy Castaneda was on a ladder, with the victim and he had already applied a tourniquet, in an effort to stop the heavy bleeding from the wound that the victim had sustained. I would like to acknowledge Deputy Castaneda and Sergeant Rodriguez for their quick thinking in applying the tourniquet, which resulted in the bleeding being stopped, staying calm and providing the victim with the peace of mind that he would be ok.

The victim sustained serious injuries, was successfully removed from the tree by the Lamar Ambulance Service and the victim was flown out of the area via flight for life. Without the actions of Deputy Castaneda and Sergeant Rodriguez, the outcome of this situation would have been tragic.

Officer Austin Friederichs, Granada/Holly Law Enforcement Agency

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